Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Heavenly “Marry Me” Chicken Recipe That Seals The Deal

Succulent chicken breasts bathed in a creamy marry me chicken sauce promise an unforgettable dinner experience.

This restaurant-worthy dish brings elegance to your weeknight meals effortlessly.

The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan creates a luxurious flavor profile that seriously impresses.

Tender chicken mingles with a rich, velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Each bite whispers romance and culinary magic.

You won’t believe how simple yet spectacular this recipe can be.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that might just win someone’s heart.

Marry Me Chicken Ingredient Lineup

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Premium lean protein that soaks up delicious flavors and provides a tender, juicy foundation for this mouthwatering dish. Choose fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal visible fat for the best texture and taste.
For Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that helps create a perfect golden-brown sear and prevents sticking while adding a subtle Mediterranean essence to the chicken. Select extra virgin olive oil for superior flavor and nutritional benefits.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic spice combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion. Freshly ground black pepper and high-quality smoked paprika will elevate the dish's complexity and depth, ensuring each bite is packed with robust, smoky notes.

Tools to Make This Dish as Romantic as the Name

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken evenly.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and handling meat safely.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing and seasoning chicken.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for trimming chicken breasts if needed.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and manage ingredients during cooking process.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Like a Chef

  • Prepare Chicken

Season chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

  • Create Creamy Sauce

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and add sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in some parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an irresistible sauce.

  • Combine and Simmer

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the luxurious sauce. Let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning the rich, creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pair with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad for a mouth-watering meal.

Add Mushrooms, Herbs, or a Spicy Kick

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the chicken and sauce components up to a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator for a quick assembly when ready to cook.
  • Creamy Sauce Rescue: If the sauce becomes too thick, gently whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its silky consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, ketogenic-friendly meal.
  • Protein Swap: Try this recipe with turkey cutlets, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu for exciting protein variations that keep the signature creamy, tangy sauce profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 735 kcal

Servings: 4

Serve With Pasta, Rice, or Just Pure Joy

  • Romantic Date Night Centerpiece: Serve this Marry Me Chicken on a beautiful white platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant restaurant-style presentation that will wow your partner.
  • Creamy Pasta Companion: Ladle the rich sauce over fettuccine or angel hair pasta, allowing the chicken to rest on top and let the sauce drip deliciously through the noodles for a complete meal.
  • Bright Side Accent: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to add fresh, green contrast against the decadent chicken and create a balanced plate that looks stunning.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness, elevating the entire dining experience with a sophisticated touch.

Store Leftovers That Are Still Date-Night Ready

  • Quick Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Slice leftover chicken and create versatile lunch bowls, salads, or wraps. Prepare extra portions during initial cooking to streamline weekday meal planning.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to retain moisture. Avoid microwave if possible, as it can dry out the meat and compromise texture.
Print
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Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Marry me chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that promises romance on a plate. Garlic, herbs, and parmesan create an irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until it glistens, then carefully place seasoned chicken, allowing each side to caramelize into a golden-brown exterior for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: Remove chicken and reduce heat, introducing minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its fragrant essence without scorching.
  4. Sauce Creation: Deglaze pan with sun-dried tomato chicken broth, incorporating caramelized chicken remnants, then introduce heavy cream and fresh herbs, stirring to develop a silky, rich sauce.
  5. Final Cooking Process: Return chicken to the skillet, immersing pieces in the creamy mixture, simmering for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, serving immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm.

Notes

  • Control Seasoning Intensity: Adjust salt, pepper, and spices proportionally to chicken size to prevent overpowering flavors or blandness.
  • Achieve Perfect Sear: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s hot enough before adding chicken to create a golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir cream gradually and maintain medium heat to avoid curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or use skinless chicken breasts for lower-fat alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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